Did you see that Mirka and Roger Federer have twins?

Prof. Dr Christian Breymann, specialist in gynaecology at the Hirslanden Clinic in Zurich, talks about Mirka Federer's twin pregnancy in an interview.

Professor Breymann, as a specialist, have you realised for a long time that Mirka Federer is having twins?

No. A large belly does not mean that a woman is expecting more than one child. Externally, there are no clear indications of a twin pregnancy.

When did the Federers know that twins were on the way?

At the first or second ultrasound, i.e. in the first twelve weeks. There you can see whether two amniotic sacs and two embryos are growing.

Two children instead of just one - a shock?

Women who spontaneously expect twins are usually happily surprised and rarely shocked. And with artificial insemination, one often expects more than one child.

Is it possible that Mirka was artificially inseminated?

In principle, artificial insemination is possible for every pregnancy.

Also in healthy young women?

Yes, there may be medical reasons such as blocked fallopian tubes that no longer function properly. Male factors are also possible, such as insufficient sperm quality.

What forms of artificial insemination are conceivable?

Basically all forms. The most common is in vitro fertilisation (IVF), in which eggs and sperm are brought together in a test tube. Or a drug treatment that promotes ovulation. These medications allow multiple eggs to grow. In IVF, several fertilised eggs are used, often resulting in a multiple pregnancy.

Is it more difficult for competitive athletes to produce offspring naturally?

No. At most if one were to take illicit substances.

How does a twin pregnancy differ from a normal pregnancy?

For the mother, it means greater physical and circulatory strain. In the case of identical twins, there is a risk that one will grow less because it is less well supplied by the shared placenta.

Mirka watched Roger play nail-biting matches at both the French Open and Wimbledon. A risk?

No, she could do everything normally as long as she felt comfortable doing it.

What are the dangers of giving birth to twins?

Due to the position of the babies, a caesarean section is often performed, which is associated with normal risks. With vaginal birth, the second twin often causes problems and sometimes has to be delivered by caesarean section.

Charlene Riva and Myla Rose were born between 10pm and midnight on Thursday. What kind of birth does the time indicate?

Normally, no planned caesarean sections are performed at this time of day.

How do you ensure medical care for both children during birth?

Except for the anaesthetist, a double team is available: two paediatricians, two midwives and other staff.

How long do you stay in hospital after the birth of twins?

Tends to take a little longer to learn how to manage two children.

And what happens afterwards when you are on your own?

The support of the family, a domestic helper or nanny is very important for the mother so that she can recover from the double burden.

Can Mirka breastfeed both daughters?

Yes, there are women who breastfeed their twins at the same time, or you give them the breast one after the other. Lactation consultants can show her how best to proceed.

Roger wants to have his wives around him on his travels. Is that advisable?

Just this year, he has proven how confidently he can handle stress. I assume that with his calmness and concentration he will also master the new challenge like a true champion.

How can Roger, as tennis world number 1, husband and new father, live up to all the expectations?

I think that in the infant period, mother and children should primarily recover. In principle, however, each couple should decide for themselves how they want to organise their family life.

What are the chances that Charlene Riva and Myla Rose will become tennis aces?

With their parents, they have the best prerequisites for a sporting career. Hopefully, each of the children will find a fulfilled life in their own way.

Interview with Sylvia Vogel (schweizer-illustrierte.ch), July 2009, January 2019